A debt to all veterans, no matter when they served: 2 letters

Everyone serving in the military today joined voluntarily. We as a nation have shown them the respect and honor they deserve. That is as it should be. It makes it all the more amazing that the majority of those who involuntarily served during Vietnam were shown disdain and treated as though the futility and horrors of that war were their fault, rather than that of their leaders.

The Vietnam Memorial is a powerful display. Not only does it show in stark reality the human cost of that war, it shows the dark void of support for the returning soldiers, sailors and airmen. Those of us who served then are pleased to see today’s members of our military receiving the recognition they deserve.

We all owe an unrepayable debt to all members of the military who have served, are serving, and will serve our nation, regardless of how we feel about any particular conflict.

Mandell S. Winter Jr., Denver

This letter was published in the Nov. 11 edition. For information on how to send a letter to the editor, click here.

Re: “A salute to veterans,” Nov. 5 news photograph.

The photo of students from Dalton Elementary School in Aurora singing, saluting and wearing T-shirts inscribed with the words “Honoring the Fallen” was very emotional and inspiring.

The cutline stated the governor of Colorado and the mayor of Aurora made an appearance. Plaques were presented to families of three veterans representing World War II, the Vietnam War and the conflicts presently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am quite sure that the widows and families of Korean War veterans read this article with chagrin, justifiably, that the more than 50,000 killed and 100,000 wounded warriors of the Korean War did not qualify for this honor.
Yes, it was truly the “forgotten war,” except for those who participated.

Paul M. Schultz, Aurora

This letter was published in the Nov. 11 edition. For information on how to send a letter to the editor, click here.

Hey Mandell! Not so fast with the “all-volunteer” military garbage. Plantations worked because of Black slaves. 55% of the soldier-draftees killed in Vietnam were Black, while we only comprised 12% of the nation's entire population. The “all-volunter” military has worked, solely because Blacks have been saddled with a perennial “double-digit” unemployment rate, for decades. By design, so rich white kids wouldn't have to serve in our military units. Since the ending of WWII, rich white folks have refused to see their blood and treasure returned to them in BBQ'ed chunks, and in combat body-bags. When was the last time someone from Vail, Cherry Hills, Aspen, Evergreen, Bailey, Gensesee, Salida, etc., was killed in combat?

IronmanCarmichael

Along with “no matter when,” how about acknowledging the debt we owe to all American service people no matter what they are or were: all genders, all ages, all religious faiths, all races and nationalities, and–yes–all sexual identities?

Thom Challenger

A note of thanks to Paul Shultz, those that endured the Korean War are too often forgotten. My father served in Korea and always notes that there are few/rare mentions of the war in memorials and discussions. I’m often startled but not surprised that what so many know about the Korean War seems to come from reruns of M*A*S*H. The Korean War featured some very intense fighting (as evidenced by 50,000 killed in three years) and the sacrifices made its veterans shouldn’t be minimized or forgotten.

IronmanCarmichael

Along with “no matter when,” how about acknowledging the debt we owe to all American service people no matter what they are or were: all genders, all ages, all religious faiths, all races and nationalities, and–yes–all sexual identities?

Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 150 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address, day and evening phone numbers, and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

To reach the Denver Post editorial page by phone: 303-954-1331

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